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Nursery Rhymes

They come in collections and board books; they are spoken, sang and read aloud. They are a part of our heritage and some of our first memories. Not only are nursery rhymes a pleasure to hear and to share, they provide a building block toward literacy. These ditties, rhymes, and sayings recommended for kids ages 0-9 introduce children to the sounds and patterns of our language and give them a repertoire of words they may not hear in everyday conversation.

And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon

By: Janet Stevens, Susan Stevens Crummel

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

What would happen if the dish and the spoon (of “hey diddle diddle” fame) ran away and didn’t want to come back? Well, that’s the premise of this funny, pun-filled saga. Other nursery rhyme characters follow a map to find the runaways in this lively, visually sophisticated, and humorous book.

Animal Crackers: A Delectable Collection of Pictures, Poems, and Lullabies for the Very Young

By: Jane Dyer

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 0-3

Reading Level: Pre-Reader

The large format and lush illustrations appeal to young children, and adults will appreciate the organization by topics of interest. Categories such as Animals, Playtime, and Bedtime make this an ideal collection for sharing — whether you have just a few minutes or a long, leisurely afternoon.

Chinese Nursery Rhymes

By: Robert Wyndham

Illustrated by: Ed Young

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Rhymes, lullabies, and songs from the Chinese oral tradition have been translated and illustrated with softly toned watercolors evocative of Asian art. Children and adults alike with recognize the universal themes of childhood in these pieces.

Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling

By: Tracey Pearson

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 0-3

Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Gentle illustrations show this familiar ditty in a modern light. A boy brings a book for his father to read to him and after they both fall asleep, Mom carries the boy to bed while the family dog follows with his shoe. This book makes a wonderful bedtime choice.

Hickory Dickory Dock

By: James Marshall

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 0-3

Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Young children will enjoy the sound of the familiar rhymes but older readers — including parents who share it with young children — will take pleasure in the deadpan humor of the illustrations. Now presented in board book format, this will hold up to multiple readings.

Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes

By: Alma Flor Ada, Isabel Campoy

Illustrated by: Vivi Escriva

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Rhymes from Spanish speaking countries are presented in Spanish and recreated in English to form a bilingual collection, with attention to the sounds and patterns of both languages. Vivid illustrations complete this appealing book.

Even the uninitiated adult will be able to follow the clear directions and language in this handsome oversized book, ideal for sharing one to one, adult and child. A lively music CD of select rhymes from the text accompanies the book but is not essential for the sharing.

Wee Willie Winkie

By: Salley Mavor

Genre: Poetry

Age Level: 0-3

Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Wee Willie Winkie runs through this book, which is illustrated in deeply colored fabric collage — detailed but uncluttered. Sturdy pages have a rich texture and make for great bedtime reading with wee ones!